It was first discovered last year that Microsoft was going to remove the traditional Start button in Windows 8, Windows 8 Consumer Preview version which was released back in 2012 did not come with the aforementioned button. It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that the Start button and menu were iconic, they have been around in every single Windows version ever since they debuted with Windows 95 some 15 years ago. After hearing feedback from customers, Microsoft decided earlier this year to bring back the Start button in Windows 8.1. The first ad for the upcoming Windows update highlights the Start button’s return.
The ad also sheds light on Windows 8.1’s ability to boot to desktop. From there, users can click on the Start button to flip back and forth between the desktop and the Metro Start Screen. However, the Start menu has been taken away. The Start button is now a permanent addition to Windows 8.1, users don’t have the ability to switch it off. Microsoft is going to release Windows 8.1 to the public on October 18th. It has already detailed the pricing and packages for the latest Windows update. So while the experience might not entirely be the same, those who didn’t like it when the Start button was taken away now have an added incentive to upgrade to Windows 8.1 when it comes out.